Chevrolet Announces $54,995 Price Tag For 580-hp Camaro ZL1

If you ever need an example of poor timing, General Motors just provided a gem. The same day the company announces a $54,995 price for the Camaro ZL1, Ford nukes the collective minds of the automotive world with the news that ZL1's direct competitor, the Mustang GT500, will have 650 horsepower for 2013. The ZL1 has 580.

But hey, cars are about more than just horsepower, right? Handling, braking, steering, and ride are all other crucial aspects of the driving experience, and physical appearance matters quite a bit, too. And nobody knows yet exactly how much of a premium Ford will hang on the GT500. (It’s unlikely that the Shelby will cost much more than the ZL1, though.) To better comprehend the ZL1's standing among 6.2-liter screamers and the Shelby, check out our handy table below.

For 55 large (not counting the probable gas-guzzler tax of $1000 or so), the ZL1 comes well equipped. Leather seats with faux-suede inserts are standard, as are a rear-view camera and a premium audio system. The car comes with General Motors’ latest iteration of Magnetic Ride Control, as well as launch control and coolers for the differential and engine and transmission oil. In terms of options, there are few: A six-speed automatic transmission is an extra $1185, a sunroof commands $900, and a few cosmetic tweaks round out list.

This makes the ZL1 about $10,000 less than the cheapest Cadillac CTS-V, which is powered by a version of the same engine. (The Caddy’s has a mere 556 hp.) And with 580 hp on tap, the ZL1 is sure to offer a ton of performance—although saying how much exactly will have to wait until we get hold of one. It’s just a pity the ZL1 wasn’t quick enough to outrun Ford’s news.

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Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro Concept: SEMA’s Biggest Toy

It’s a classic case of art imitating life on repeat. This electrochromic green Chevy was jointly designed by GM and Hot Wheels to commemorate the latter’s first die-cast Camaro. And to keep things going, Hot Wheels will offer a special collector’s edition 1:64 version of this one-off.

The drivable toy is based on a manual-transmission Camaro SS and has snagged a few ZL1 parts—namely the grille and spoiler—along with a host of unique pieces. We’re especially fond of the hood’s milled black aluminum extractor vents. And the life-size Hot Wheels track the concept is set on is a nice touch.

Hot Wheels devotees (you know who you are) can go to http://www.hotwheelscollectors.com/ for info about purchasing the scale model.

Tags: 2011 SEMA show, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Camaro, Hot Wheels |

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Camaro to Go Bye-Bye, But EV1 Just Might Stick Around; Could It Lead to Alt-Power Chevys? [Chevrolet Centennial, 2000s Edition]

Chevrolet is marking its 100th anniversary this week. To celebrate, we’re republishing two posts per day from our blog archives, each one plucked from a different decade of the marque’s long existence.

Time and time again, we’ve pitted the Camaro against the Mustang, and the Mustang has walked away lacking. Yet 2002 will be the end of GM’s F-body twins. No more Camaro. No more Firebird. No more Trans-Am. No more wacky specials like Grand National–powered T-top TAs or 427-inch aluminum-block Camaros. Done. Finito. Poof. Fin. Fare-thee-well, Eskimo Charlie. You get it. The platform itself dates back to 1982. The interior design is questionable. The ergonomics can kindly be described as iffy. But the LS1 is such a fantastically great lump that you don’t care that its roots are in the 1955 Chevrolet; indeed, much of the time, you don’t care about the essential badness of your surroundings. It’s a neat trick that never gets old. Except that now, apparently, it has.

So what have we got to look forward to? GM’s EV1 program hasn’t been a roaring success, but it seems as though they’ll stick with it. We don’t foresee an edict taking the small group of cars they’ve leased away from their owners—although we would rather like to watch those vegetable-chewing ninnies squirm and yelp if the big, bad General comes for their toys.

We’ve also heard that the next Corvette, which we should see in three years or so, will feature a smaller 5.4-liter version of Chevrolet’s Gen III small block. It may also be mid-engined. Whatever the case, with things heating up in the Middle East, we’ll see GM get serious about alternative energy sources and smaller powerplants within the next three years. Which also means, as GM’s volume brand, Chevy’s about to buckle down on real automotive efforts, rather than coasting on its truck and SUV profits. We can only hope that in 2005, we’ll see 300-hp V-6–powered Camaro and Firebird siblings and perhaps a Trans Am with the rumored 5.4 from the Vette. After all, if America’s without the Screaming Chicken for long, the terrorists have clearly won.

Tags: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Centennial |

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